EP1287870A1 - Water purification cartridge assembly with unidirectional flow through filter media - Google Patents

Water purification cartridge assembly with unidirectional flow through filter media Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1287870A1
EP1287870A1 EP02025770A EP02025770A EP1287870A1 EP 1287870 A1 EP1287870 A1 EP 1287870A1 EP 02025770 A EP02025770 A EP 02025770A EP 02025770 A EP02025770 A EP 02025770A EP 1287870 A1 EP1287870 A1 EP 1287870A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fluid
cartridge
filter media
end cap
cylindrical element
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP02025770A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1287870B1 (en
Inventor
Li-Shiang Liang
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Siemens Water Technologies Holding Corp
Original Assignee
United States Filter Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by United States Filter Corp filed Critical United States Filter Corp
Publication of EP1287870A1 publication Critical patent/EP1287870A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1287870B1 publication Critical patent/EP1287870B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01DSEPARATION
    • B01D35/00Filtering devices having features not specifically covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D33/00, or for applications not specifically covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D33/00; Auxiliary devices for filtration; Filter housing constructions
    • B01D35/30Filter housing constructions
    • B01D35/301Constructions of two or more housings
    • B01D35/303Constructions of two or more housings the housings being modular, e.g. standardised
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01DSEPARATION
    • B01D24/00Filters comprising loose filtering material, i.e. filtering material without any binder between the individual particles or fibres thereof
    • B01D24/007Filters comprising loose filtering material, i.e. filtering material without any binder between the individual particles or fibres thereof with multiple filtering elements in series connection
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01DSEPARATION
    • B01D24/00Filters comprising loose filtering material, i.e. filtering material without any binder between the individual particles or fibres thereof
    • B01D24/02Filters comprising loose filtering material, i.e. filtering material without any binder between the individual particles or fibres thereof with the filter bed stationary during the filtration
    • B01D24/10Filters comprising loose filtering material, i.e. filtering material without any binder between the individual particles or fibres thereof with the filter bed stationary during the filtration the filtering material being held in a closed container
    • B01D24/12Downward filtration, the filtering material being supported by pervious surfaces
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01DSEPARATION
    • B01D24/00Filters comprising loose filtering material, i.e. filtering material without any binder between the individual particles or fibres thereof
    • B01D24/02Filters comprising loose filtering material, i.e. filtering material without any binder between the individual particles or fibres thereof with the filter bed stationary during the filtration
    • B01D24/10Filters comprising loose filtering material, i.e. filtering material without any binder between the individual particles or fibres thereof with the filter bed stationary during the filtration the filtering material being held in a closed container
    • B01D24/16Upward filtration
    • B01D24/165Upward filtration the filtering material being supported by pervious surfaces

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a water purification cartridge having unidirectional flow through a filter media.
  • Purified water has been increasingly demanded in research and industry for various scientific testing and analysis. Many different filtration devices have been proposed and are in use to filter water into ultra-purified form which has a resistivity greater than 18 megohms-cm with a total organic compound (TOC) level of less than 20 parts per billion.
  • the ultra-pure water is obtained by sequential treatment of water with charcoal, contact with mixed anionic and cationic resins and a microfilter. These or more filtration steps may be provided.
  • Some water purification systems have permanent housings which are built into the unit and into which replaceable filter cells are located. Increasingly common, however, are removable cartridges that include both the housing and the filter media through which the water passes to obtain ultra-pure water.
  • Gaignet in U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,875, issued July 31, 1990, discloses one type of cartridge system that comprises tubes which contain water treatment media which are joined by two end plates. The end plates form manifolds which transfer the fluid from one cylinder to the next in serial flow.
  • the device is designed to be connected to a control unit containing a pump, valves and monitor measurement circuits by means of connectors. Some of the connectors provide the fluid connections between the cartridge and the control unit.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art device, which in some respects is similar to Gaignet, and shows a typical four tube cartridge assembly 30.
  • Four tubes 32 are filled with water purification media 34.
  • a pair of plates 36, 38 are disposed along the ends of the tubes and connect the tubes together to form the cartridge assembly.
  • the end plates 36, 38 also form the manifold through which the fluid is directed from one tube into the next serially adjacent tube.
  • water is pumped into the cartridge assembly through an inlet port 42, as indicated by arrow 44, and travels downwardly through a first tube 32 into the end plate 38.
  • the water then flows through a passage 48 in the end plate 38 and into a second tube 32a in an upward direction as indicated by arrow 49 to the top end plate 36.
  • the fluid flows through a passage 50 into a third tube and flows in a downward direction to the end plate 38 through the passage 52 and up through the fourth tube and out the outlet port 54.
  • the prior art discloses a non-separable cartridge assembly having both downward and upward fluid flow as the fluid travels through the filter media.
  • the upward flow through the purification media is often not desirable.
  • the media which is usually in the particulate form may "fluidize" once fluid flow is established through the tube. This occurs when the upward force due to the water velocity exceeds the downward force (of gravity) on the media.
  • the fluidization of the media that occurs may result in a reduced performance of the purifier. Additionally, such fluidization may result in mixing of purification media if more than one type of purification media is layered within a tube. This too may result in a decrease in purification performance. Because the upward flow of fluid is often not desired, various attempts have been made to provide for continuous downward flow for fluid purification devices. As illustrated in FIG.
  • an example of one such device includes a deionization device having two cylinders 62, 72 that are filled with filter media 64, 74, respectively. Fluid enters into cylinder 62 through port 66 and flows down through the filter media 64 to a screened collection basket 68 at the lower end of the cylinder. The fluid travels from the collection basket 68 upwardly through a product collection tube 70 and out of the cylinder 62.
  • the second cylinder 72 may be provided and the fluid may flow serially into the second cylinder, downward through water purification media into a collection basket 78 and upwardly through a tube 80.
  • a plurality of cylinders are provided which allow for downward fluid motion in a plurality of cylinders. This particular arrangement is not a cartridge which can easily be replaced and typically are fixed in a system. Additionally, water does not flow through the filter media in the lower portion of the cylinders that lies below the collection basket. This wastes both filter media and space for the filter.
  • the prior art does not provide a convenient water purification cartridge assembly with separable cartridges which allows for unidirectional flow throughout the purification tubes.
  • the present invention provides a water purification cartridge with unidirectional flow through the filter media.
  • the cartridge includes a cylindrical element that has first and second ends, the cylindrical element contains a filter media and is adapted to receive fluid flow therethrough.
  • a first end cap is disposed on the first end of the cylindrical element and includes a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port, said inlet port is adapted to direct fluid into the cylindrical element to the filter media.
  • a second end cap is disposed on a second end of the cylindrical element, the second end cap is adapted to receive the fluid passing through the filter media.
  • a tube may be disposed within the cylinder to transfer the filtered fluid from the second end to the outlet port disposed at the first end.
  • a first cartridge unit for filtering liquid in another aspect of the present invention, includes a first end having an inlet and an outlet, the first cartridge is adapted to filter fluid flowing in a first direction.
  • a second filter cartridge may be provided for filtering liquid, the second cartridge includes a first end having a fluid inlet, the fluid inlet of the second cartridge is fluidly connected to the outlet of the first cartridge and is adapted to filter in the first direction.
  • the fluid flows axially downward through each of the cartridges.
  • a plurality of cartridges may be used to form a cartridge assembly.
  • an apparatus for purifying fluid in another embodiment, includes a cylindrical element having two ends and containing a filter media that is adapted to receive fluid flow therethrough.
  • a first end cap is disposed on one end of the cylindrical element and includes a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port, said inlet port adapted to direct fluid into the cylindrical element and into the filter media.
  • a second end cap is disposed on a second end of the cylindrical element, the second end is adapted to receive the fluid from filter media.
  • a tube may be provided having a first and second end and disposed within the cylinder. The tube transfers the filtered fluid from the second end cap to the outlet disposed at the first end. and the tube is rigidly mounted at a first end and slidably mounted at the second end of the cylindrical cartridge.
  • the tube is rigidly affixed to the first end cap by heat welding and is slidably attached the second end that includes an O-ring to provide a desired seal between a chamber in the end cap and the filter media.
  • the present invention also provides a novel method of fabrication for the components for the cartridge assembly.
  • a tube and a cylindrical cartridge housing are provided and fused to an end cap at a first end.
  • the tube is provided in the cylindrical housing to bring fluid from the second end of the cartridge assembly to the first end.
  • the tube is rigidly affixed to the cartridge assembly at the first end.
  • the end cap is fused to the cylindrical housing and the tube is sealingly engaged to the second end cap.
  • the present invention provides a filter cartridge assembly having series uni-directional flow through filter media.
  • the flow is downward so that the filter media is forced down with gravity and fluidization of the filter media is prevented.
  • the downward flow also provides for a more even flow distribution along an axial cross section of the cylinder.
  • FIG. 3A is an illustrative flow schematic for the present invention.
  • a cartridge assembly 90 includes several individual cartridge units 92, 94, 96 and 98 which are serially connected. Fluid flows from a fluid inlet port 100 into a cartridge inlet plenum 101.
  • a fluid distribution cap 102 distributes the flow from the inlet plenum to the filter media in cartridge 92 and flows downward as indicated by arrow 104.
  • another fluid distribution cap 106 separates the filter media from a lower plenum 108. Once in the lower plenum, the force of water flowing through the system moves the fluid upwardly into a liquid transfer tube 110 as indicated by arrows 112. Once the fluid reaches the top of the cartridge, the fluid is fed into the serially adjacent cartridge 94 through an outlet port 114. Because the fluid enters and exits at the top of the cartridge unit, the downward flow is repeated for each of the cartridge units resulting in a serial, uni-directional flow through the filter media.
  • the cartridge 92 has a "male” type inlet and a “female” type outlet.
  • the cartridge 94 similarly, has a male inlet 115 which couples with the female outlet of cartridge 92.
  • the construction of the cartridges 94 and 96 are similar to cartridge 92 and like reference characters with a post script "a" refer to like elements.
  • a male inlet of cartridge unit 96 couples with the female outlet of cartridge unit 94. The fluid flows serially through the cartridges to outlet 116 where the final purified product is delivered.
  • the outlet 116 is a male type outlet which (together with the inlet port) may be adapted to couple with the purification console (not shown).
  • the various connectors may be modified as apparent to those skilled in the art.
  • the male and female type ports may be interchanged or other type ports may be provided.
  • O-rings may be provided in an annular groove on the male connection to form a seal.
  • the downward flow also reduces the possibility that flow channels may form through the media.
  • Channels form when the filter media has a vein or channel of decreased density that provides a path of least resistance through which fluid will flow.
  • the formation of channels can substantially reduce the effectiveness of the filter media because the surface contact between the media and the water is reduced.
  • the direct connection between the outlet of one cartridge to the inlet of another also minimizes the length of conduit through which the filtered fluid flows, and thus decreases the likelihood of contaminating the fluid with impurities in the conduit.
  • each cartridge unit 92, 94, 96 and 98 can be replaced individually without destroying or affecting the other cartridges. Since each cartridge unit may contain one or several different filter media, the service-life time for each cartridge unit may be different. Because each cartridge assembly is constructed of a plurality of self-contained cartridge units, one cartridge may be replaced without destroying the entire assembly. Further, specialized applications may require specialized fluid filter media, and because the cartridge assembly comprises several interchangeable units, any unit selected may be assembled together to form a specialized cartridge assembly.
  • FIG. 3A illustrates a fluid return tube in the center of the conduit
  • the return tube could be disposed on the inside wall of the cylinder, or alternatively be concurrently formed with the cylinder in an extrusion process.
  • the return tube cylinder could be an annular space formed by two concentric cylinders, with the inner cylinder filled with the filter media.
  • FIG. 3B illustrates another schematic flow diagram of a cartridge assembly with unidirectional fluid flow through the filter media.
  • the fluid is transferred to a serially adjacent cartridge unit by a conduit that is outside the cartridge unit.
  • a cartridge assembly 130 may include two cartridge units 132, 134. Similar to FIG. 3A, an inlet port 136 leads to a plenum 138 and into a fluid filter media 140 through a conical fluid distribution plate 142. The plate 142 separates the media from the plenum 138. At the lower end of cartridge 132, the filter media is separated from a lower plenum 144 by a conical plate 146. The lower end of the cartridge includes a passage 148 to a fluid transfer tube 150 which leads to the serially adjacent cartridge 134 where the fluid passes through another filter media. Another fluid transfer tube 150 leads to either another cartridge unit (not shown) or the purification console (also not shown).
  • This embodiment also provides the advantage of a downward flow for the fluid through the fluid filter media.
  • One advantage of the external product transfer tube may be that the cartridges are easier to manufacture. Additionally, the surface area of the filter media is maximized because the fluid transfer tube 150 does not occupy any of the volume within the cartridge unit.
  • This embodiment is modular in that each filter cartridge unit may be configured in the same manner and easily and conveniently installed within a console. Accordingly, the number of cartridge units may be increased and varied depending on the particular needs of a system. Additionally, since the fluid is transferred outside the cartridge unit, contamination of fluid that has been filtered should not be a problem.
  • the present invention provides a tight seal between the fluid transfer tube and the upper portion of the cartridge unit.
  • the seal may be created by heat welding, adhesives or other suitable connection processes as recognized by those skilled in the art.
  • the qualitative difference in the purity of the fluid in the tube and the fluid that is collected in the plate is not substantial, and thus the elusiveness of the seal is not as critical.
  • the tube must fit snugly within the plate so that the filter media does not enter into the plenum. Accordingly, a different seal is provided at the lower end of the cartridge unit. The different seal performs well and enables the cartridge unit to be manufactured easier and quicker with the high performance found in other, more expensive devices.
  • FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C provide various alternative embodiments for sealing the lower end of a fluid transfer tube 184 and the bottom collection plate 170.
  • the seal provided at the bottom plate enables axial movement of the tube with respect to the collection plate.
  • a cartridge unit 160 includes a cylindrical side wall 162 and a bottom 164.
  • the cartridge may be one piece or formed from several different pieces.
  • the bottom of the cartridge unit includes a plenum 166 which is separated from fluid filter media 168 by the annular plate 170.
  • the plate 170 includes a hub 172, a porous portion 174 and an outer ring 176.
  • the outer ring is adapted to snap into the bottom 164 and be retained therein.
  • the porous portion may snap directly into the bottom 164.
  • the porous portion of the plate may be slitted or perforated.
  • the perforation or slits should be sized so that particles which are larger than 300 ⁇ m (0.012 inch) will not pass through. The relative advantages of various hole sizes and shapes should be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the fluid filter media.
  • an annular groove is formed into which an O-ring 182 is placed.
  • the annular chamber and O-ring are sized such that the O-ring creates a seal between the tube 184 and the hub 172 of the plate when the tube is inserted into the hub 172.
  • the tube is able to move axially up and down with respect to the plate and thus, the assembly of the parts is facilitated.
  • FIG. 4B provides an alternate embodiment of the seal between the tube 184 and the plate. Similar to the previously described embodiment, a plate 186 is seated on the wall 164 of the cartridge unit and a porous material separates the fluid filter media 168 and plenum 166.
  • the inner surface of the hub includes a wiper lip 188 which seals the interface between the tube and the plate.
  • the wiper lip is an annular ring of thin, flexible plastic material.
  • the lip may be integrally formed with the plate or, alternatively, the lip may be affixed on the plate prior to assembling the cartridge. The lip provides for a fluid tight seal while allowing relative motion between the plate and the tube.
  • a third alternative for the seal between the plate and the tube is achieved by providing an annular groove 192 in the tube 194 into which an O-ring 196 is disposed.
  • the O-ring is large enough to seal the tube and plate while still allowing relative movement therebetween.
  • FIG. 5 shows a front view of the cartridge assembly.
  • the direction of the inlet and outlet ports provide a suitable interface with a corresponding portion of the purification console (not shown). Annular grooves may be provided on the ports to receive O-rings so that fluid leakage at the interface with the console is minimized.
  • the top caps 202, 208 are illustrated on the top of the cartridge units 216, 218 respectively.
  • Cap 202 receives the fluid through the male inlet 212.
  • the fluid is purified in the cartridge in the manner described above in connection with FIG. 3A and the top plate is also provided with male outlet 222 (shown in phantom) which is oriented 180° opposite from the inlet.
  • the male outlet couples with a female inlet 224 (shown in phantom) in the serially adjacent end cap 204.
  • a male outlet port 226 shown in phantom
  • the female outlet port 226 is 90 degrees offset from the inlet port of the cap 204.
  • the fluid exits through male outlet port 232 (shown in phantom) and is received by the female inlet port 234 (shown in phantom) of the cap 208.
  • the ports of cap 206 may be configured identically to the ports of cap 204. Accordingly, all the fluid communication required for the transfer through all the cartridge units occurs in the caps at one end of the unit. Because downward flow is typically preferable, in the embodiment shown, the connections are at the top plates.
  • the end caps 202, 204, 206 and 208 are molded and formed from high purity plastic, such as polyropylene.
  • the end caps may include ribs 240 which provide for increased structural rigidity.
  • the ribs may extend radially from the center of the plate and may also include concentric circular ribs.
  • the cartridge assembly can be constructed to contain more than four cartridge units.
  • Cartridge end cap 208 is provided with a female inlet and a male outlet that are oriented in a straight line. Any number of cartridge units that have such a configuration may be disposed between end caps 202 and 204, and additionally between end caps 206 and 208.
  • the cartridge assembly can contain as many different cartridge units as required to effectively purify the fluid.
  • a plurality of clips 242 and 244 are provided between the end caps to give the cartridge assembly structural integrity so that it may be installed and removed without inconvenience.
  • the end caps 202, 204, 206, 208 each include four clip receiving sockets 246 spaced 90 degrees apart.
  • a plurality of side clips 242 have a generally triangular shape and are disposed between the caps 202, 204; 204, 206; 206, 208 and 208, 202 respectively.
  • the clips 242 each have protrusions 248 which are received in the sockets 246.
  • the clip 244 has 4 lateral sides and is centrally located between the four end caps and engages each one by protrusions 248 that are received by the sockets 246.
  • Each clip is readily removable and may be reattached when necessary. For example, if one filter cartridge were to become spent, the clips could be removed from the end cap and the cartridge unit replaced by an individual fresh unit and then the cartridge assembly may be assembled by reattaching the clips. Accordingly, the life of any cartridge assembly can be extended for a much longer duration than the prior art. In other cartridge assemblies of the prior art, Gaignet for example, once one filter cartridge unit was spent, the whole pack or assembly is discarded. With the present invention, the maximum life of each unit is achieved. Thus, the present invention provides a cartridge pack assembly which has a significant advantage over the prior art. The connection between cartridge units is more specifically described in co-pending application No.08/599,259, entitled “Modular Filtering System and Method of Assembly", filed concurrently with this application on February 9, 1996, and such disclosure is incorporated by reference herein.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one preferred embodiment of the cartridge 218 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.
  • the top cap 208 includes the female inlet port 232 which leads into a generally cylindrical plenum 262.
  • the end plate includes a hub 264 onto which a flow distributor 266 is placed.
  • the flow distributor also has a hub 268 which is centrally located on the flow distributor.
  • the flow distributor also shown in FIG. 8A, includes a plurality of radially extending slots 270 which extend from the hub.
  • Each flow distributor includes an outer rim which retains the flow distributor in the end cap.
  • the radial slots 270 extend to an annular rim 271 that secure the flow distributor to the end cap.
  • a flow transfer tube 272 is securely attached to the flow distributor and the end cap.
  • the cartridge is filled with fluid filter media 274 which may include several layers.
  • the flow transfer tube 272 is secured against radial movement by center support rings 276.
  • a bottom flat distributor (configured identically to the top flow distributor) secures the flow transfer tube 272 against radial motion at its end.
  • the bottom flow distributor also separates the fluid filter media from a bottom plenum 278.
  • the flow distributor is mounted on a bottom end cap 275.
  • the fluid transfer tube is sealed with respect to the flow distributor by an O-ring 280 which is secured in place by a retainer ring 282.
  • the fluid enters the cartridge unit by an inlet port and enters into a plenum in the upper plate which is separated from the fluid filter media by a flow distributor.
  • the flow distributor also provides for an even distribution of fluid along the circular cross-section of the filter material. As the fluid travels downward, the various contaminants are removed from the fluid.
  • a flow distributor again separates the purification media from the plenum and the fluid flows up through the fluid transfer tube to the upper cap and out of the cartridge unit via the outlet port.
  • the flow distributor 266 is illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B.
  • the hub 268 and the rim 271 are configured to increase the versatility of the flow distributor 266, and the same flow distributor is used for the top and bottom cap.
  • One specific versatile aspect of the design configuration is that the inner facing surface of the hub is configured to be able to accommodate two different sealing modes.
  • the fluid transfer tube is rigidly sealed to the internal surface of the hub and upper cap so that a tight seal is created.
  • the flow distributor is adapted to receive an O-ring that provides a seal between the flow distributor and the fluid transfer tube. As illustrated in FIGS.
  • the cap 208 includes a plenum 262 which is sized to receive the flow distributor. More particularly, the flow distributor hub includes an axial inner space which is sized to pass over an annular protrusion 310 of the cap 208. Additionally, the ring of the flow distributor is snapped into secure engagement with a recess and rigid lip 312 as illustrated in FIG. 8C.
  • the flow distributor is pre-molded and is inserted into the cap immediately after the cap is molded and still warm. Thus, the annular groove and lip 312 is disposed to securely receive the ring of the flow distributor. Once the flow distributor is in place on the cap, the upper cap assembly is prepared for final assembly.
  • FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a representative method of assembly for the lower cap of a cartridge unit. While it should be recognized that the configuration of the upper cap may vary as discussed in connection with FIG. 5, the lower cap is essentially the same for each of the cartridge units.
  • the inner surface of the hub on the fluid distributor has a stepped annular surface with two steps 316 and 320.
  • the O-ring 280 is inserted into the stepped surface 316.
  • the retaining ring 282 is press fit into the defined annular space stepped surface 320 to secure the O-ring into the flow distributor.
  • the flow distributor assembly indicated generally by 326 is prepared, it is snapped into the bottom cap in a manner similar to the top cap as shown in FIG. 9B. Particularly, there is an annular groove 328 which receives the outer ring of the flow distributor.
  • An annular lip 332 secures the flow distributor from movement on the cap.
  • FIGS. 10-19 illustrate the various steps of final assembly of a representative cartridge unit.
  • a cylindrical outer tube 340 is provided and secured on a jig (not shown).
  • a fluid transfer tube 350 is provided at a length which is slightly longer than the tube 340. It too is secured on the jig (not shown).
  • a cylindrical heating element 342 shown in cross-section, is configured to join the upper cap to each of the cylinder and the tube. The heating element partially melts the annular surface of the edge of the tube 344 and an annular surface 346 of the end cap.
  • a protrusion 348 is configured to heat and partially melt the annular surface 352 of the passage leading to the outlet 154.
  • the heating element is configured to heat and partially melt the upper annular surface of the fluid transfer tube at 354.
  • the end cap and the tubes are placed in contact with the hot plate to partially melt the contact surfaces.
  • the various parts, once heated, are separated from the heating plate 342, and the heating plate is removed as illustrated in FIG. 12.
  • the end cap is placed in contact with the tube and the fluid transfer tube.
  • the surfaces 352, 354 on the end cap and tube, respectively, and the surfaces 346, 344 on the cylinder and the end cap, respectively, are then compressed and held together while cooling.
  • the fluid transfer tube is heat sealed to the end cap and a secure connection is provided. This prevents cross-contamination of the fluid as it enters and leaves the fluid container.
  • other joining methods could be used.
  • FIG. 14 illustrates the filling step of the cartridge.
  • the cartridge is inverted and filter media is placed in the cartridge to approxiatmely 50% of working capacity.
  • the center tube support ring 276 is then slidably inserted on the tube.
  • the ring is able to ride along the inner surface of the tube and the outer surface of the fluid transfer tube. It is desired that the support ring be able to "ride" within the tube so that expansion and contraction of the fluid purification media will not cause the support ring to break and so that the filter media is maintained in an unmixed state (if desired).
  • Once the center tube support ring 276 is in place more media is placed in the tube as illustrated in FIG. 15. Once 90% of the tube is filled with media, a second center tube support ring 276 is placed in the cartridge.
  • a hot plate 360 has an annular surface 362 adapted to contact the annular surface of the tube 364. Additionally, the hot plate 360 has an annular surface 366 adapted to contact the annular rim 368 of the top cap.
  • the various parts are separated and the heater is moved out of the way and, as illustrated in FIG. 19, the cap is slid onto the outer tubing.
  • the cap and the outer tubing are compressed and held together while cooling.
  • the inner tube is aligned with the inner surface of the hub and the O-ring mounted in the fluid distributor contacts the tube to provide the seal.

Abstract

The present invention provides a water purification cartridge (218) with unidirectional fluid flow through the filter media (274). Preferably, the fluid flow is down through the media to prevent fluidization of the media which can have a negative effect on the capacity of the filter cartridge to filter fluid. A cartridge assembly includes a plurality of cartridge units. Each cartridge unit has a bottom cap (275) and a top cap (208). Preferably the top cap (208) includes inlet (232) and outlet ports (214) for each cartridge unit. The fluid flows into the cartridge, down through the filter media to the lower end and a bottom cap collects the filtered fluid and directs the fluid to a tube (272) which extends from the lower end of the cartridge to the upper end. The tube is mounted at the top of the cartridge and slidingly mounted on the bottom of the cartridge. Additionally, a novel method of making a filter cartridge is disclosed.

Description

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention:
  • This invention relates to a water purification cartridge having unidirectional flow through a filter media.
  • 2. Description of Related Art:
  • Purified water has been increasingly demanded in research and industry for various scientific testing and analysis. Many different filtration devices have been proposed and are in use to filter water into ultra-purified form which has a resistivity greater than 18 megohms-cm with a total organic compound (TOC) level of less than 20 parts per billion. The ultra-pure water is obtained by sequential treatment of water with charcoal, contact with mixed anionic and cationic resins and a microfilter. These or more filtration steps may be provided.
  • Various systems and techniques for obtaining the purified water have been proposed and are in use. Some water purification systems have permanent housings which are built into the unit and into which replaceable filter cells are located. Increasingly common, however, are removable cartridges that include both the housing and the filter media through which the water passes to obtain ultra-pure water. For example, Gaignet, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,875, issued July 31, 1990, discloses one type of cartridge system that comprises tubes which contain water treatment media which are joined by two end plates. The end plates form manifolds which transfer the fluid from one cylinder to the next in serial flow. Additionally, the device is designed to be connected to a control unit containing a pump, valves and monitor measurement circuits by means of connectors. Some of the connectors provide the fluid connections between the cartridge and the control unit.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art device, which in some respects is similar to Gaignet, and shows a typical four tube cartridge assembly 30. Four tubes 32 are filled with water purification media 34. A pair of plates 36, 38 are disposed along the ends of the tubes and connect the tubes together to form the cartridge assembly. The end plates 36, 38 also form the manifold through which the fluid is directed from one tube into the next serially adjacent tube. As illustrated, water is pumped into the cartridge assembly through an inlet port 42, as indicated by arrow 44, and travels downwardly through a first tube 32 into the end plate 38. The water then flows through a passage 48 in the end plate 38 and into a second tube 32a in an upward direction as indicated by arrow 49 to the top end plate 36. Subsequently, the fluid flows through a passage 50 into a third tube and flows in a downward direction to the end plate 38 through the passage 52 and up through the fourth tube and out the outlet port 54. Thus, the prior art discloses a non-separable cartridge assembly having both downward and upward fluid flow as the fluid travels through the filter media.
  • The upward flow through the purification media is often not desirable. The media which is usually in the particulate form, may "fluidize" once fluid flow is established through the tube. This occurs when the upward force due to the water velocity exceeds the downward force (of gravity) on the media. The fluidization of the media that occurs may result in a reduced performance of the purifier. Additionally, such fluidization may result in mixing of purification media if more than one type of purification media is layered within a tube. This too may result in a decrease in purification performance. Because the upward flow of fluid is often not desired, various attempts have been made to provide for continuous downward flow for fluid purification devices. As illustrated in FIG. 2, an example of one such device includes a deionization device having two cylinders 62, 72 that are filled with filter media 64, 74, respectively. Fluid enters into cylinder 62 through port 66 and flows down through the filter media 64 to a screened collection basket 68 at the lower end of the cylinder. The fluid travels from the collection basket 68 upwardly through a product collection tube 70 and out of the cylinder 62. Optionally, the second cylinder 72 may be provided and the fluid may flow serially into the second cylinder, downward through water purification media into a collection basket 78 and upwardly through a tube 80. Thus, a plurality of cylinders are provided which allow for downward fluid motion in a plurality of cylinders. This particular arrangement is not a cartridge which can easily be replaced and typically are fixed in a system. Additionally, water does not flow through the filter media in the lower portion of the cylinders that lies below the collection basket. This wastes both filter media and space for the filter.
  • Accordingly, the prior art does not provide a convenient water purification cartridge assembly with separable cartridges which allows for unidirectional flow throughout the purification tubes.
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention provides a water purification cartridge with unidirectional flow through the filter media. The cartridge includes a cylindrical element that has first and second ends, the cylindrical element contains a filter media and is adapted to receive fluid flow therethrough. A first end cap is disposed on the first end of the cylindrical element and includes a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port, said inlet port is adapted to direct fluid into the cylindrical element to the filter media. A second end cap is disposed on a second end of the cylindrical element, the second end cap is adapted to receive the fluid passing through the filter media. Finally, a tube may be disposed within the cylinder to transfer the filtered fluid from the second end to the outlet port disposed at the first end.
  • In another aspect of the present invention, a first cartridge unit for filtering liquid is provided and includes a first end having an inlet and an outlet, the first cartridge is adapted to filter fluid flowing in a first direction. A second filter cartridge may be provided for filtering liquid, the second cartridge includes a first end having a fluid inlet, the fluid inlet of the second cartridge is fluidly connected to the outlet of the first cartridge and is adapted to filter in the first direction. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid flows axially downward through each of the cartridges. A plurality of cartridges may be used to form a cartridge assembly.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for purifying fluid includes a cylindrical element having two ends and containing a filter media that is adapted to receive fluid flow therethrough. A first end cap is disposed on one end of the cylindrical element and includes a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port, said inlet port adapted to direct fluid into the cylindrical element and into the filter media. A second end cap is disposed on a second end of the cylindrical element, the second end is adapted to receive the fluid from filter media. A tube may be provided having a first and second end and disposed within the cylinder. The tube transfers the filtered fluid from the second end cap to the outlet disposed at the first end. and the tube is rigidly mounted at a first end and slidably mounted at the second end of the cylindrical cartridge. In a preferred form, the tube is rigidly affixed to the first end cap by heat welding and is slidably attached the second end that includes an O-ring to provide a desired seal between a chamber in the end cap and the filter media.
  • The present invention also provides a novel method of fabrication for the components for the cartridge assembly. A tube and a cylindrical cartridge housing are provided and fused to an end cap at a first end. The tube is provided in the cylindrical housing to bring fluid from the second end of the cartridge assembly to the first end. The tube is rigidly affixed to the cartridge assembly at the first end. At the second end, the end cap is fused to the cylindrical housing and the tube is sealingly engaged to the second end cap.
  • Objects and features of this invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which disclose multiple embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that the drawings are designed for the purposes of illustration only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.
  • DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • The objects and advantages of the invention will be appreciated more fully from the following drawings in which:
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a flow schematic of a conventional four tube cartridge having bidirectional serial flow through the four tubes;
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a flow schematic of separable conventional cylinders which provide for uni-directional downward flow;
  • FIG. 3A illustrates a flow schematic of cartridge units in series with uni-directional flow through the water purification media;
  • FIG. 3B illustrates a flow schematic of cartridges in series with downward flow through water purification media and a product transfer tube outside the cartridge housing;
  • FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C are detail views of the bottom of a cartridge that illustrate varied seal connections with the lower cap;
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of a cartridge assembly according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of the cartridge assembly of the present invention;
  • FIG. 7 illustrates the flow path of a representative cartridge unit of the present invention and is a sectional view taken along section line 7-7 of FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 8A illustrates the flow distributor of the present invention;
  • FIGS. 8B and 8C illustrate the flow distributor and end cap at the first end as separate parts and assembled, respectively;
  • FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate the flow distributor and end cap at the second end as separate parts and assembled, respectively;
  • FIGS. 10-13 illustrate steps of a representative connection method for joining the first end cap, fluid transfer tube and the cylinder;
  • FIGS. 14-15 illustrate the steps of filling the cylinder with filter media;
  • FIGS. 16-19 illustrate steps of a representative connection method for joining the second end cap, fluid transfer tube and the cylinder.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention provides a filter cartridge assembly having series uni-directional flow through filter media. Preferably, the flow is downward so that the filter media is forced down with gravity and fluidization of the filter media is prevented. The downward flow also provides for a more even flow distribution along an axial cross section of the cylinder. FIG. 3A is an illustrative flow schematic for the present invention. A cartridge assembly 90 includes several individual cartridge units 92, 94, 96 and 98 which are serially connected. Fluid flows from a fluid inlet port 100 into a cartridge inlet plenum 101. A fluid distribution cap 102 distributes the flow from the inlet plenum to the filter media in cartridge 92 and flows downward as indicated by arrow 104. At the lower end of the cartridge, another fluid distribution cap 106 separates the filter media from a lower plenum 108. Once in the lower plenum, the force of water flowing through the system moves the fluid upwardly into a liquid transfer tube 110 as indicated by arrows 112. Once the fluid reaches the top of the cartridge, the fluid is fed into the serially adjacent cartridge 94 through an outlet port 114. Because the fluid enters and exits at the top of the cartridge unit, the downward flow is repeated for each of the cartridge units resulting in a serial, uni-directional flow through the filter media.
  • As illustrated, the cartridge 92 has a "male" type inlet and a "female" type outlet. The cartridge 94, similarly, has a male inlet 115 which couples with the female outlet of cartridge 92. The construction of the cartridges 94 and 96 are similar to cartridge 92 and like reference characters with a post script "a" refer to like elements. As the fluid enters the cartridge 94 it flows down through a fluid distribution cap 102a into the filter media, down through the cap 106a to the plenum 108a, and up through the transfer tube 110a. A male inlet of cartridge unit 96 couples with the female outlet of cartridge unit 94. The fluid flows serially through the cartridges to outlet 116 where the final purified product is delivered. As shown, the outlet 116 is a male type outlet which (together with the inlet port) may be adapted to couple with the purification console (not shown). The various connectors may be modified as apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the male and female type ports may be interchanged or other type ports may be provided. Additionally, O-rings may be provided in an annular groove on the male connection to form a seal.
  • In addition to reducing the likelihood of fluidizing the filter media, the downward flow also reduces the possibility that flow channels may form through the media. Channels form when the filter media has a vein or channel of decreased density that provides a path of least resistance through which fluid will flow. The formation of channels can substantially reduce the effectiveness of the filter media because the surface contact between the media and the water is reduced. The direct connection between the outlet of one cartridge to the inlet of another also minimizes the length of conduit through which the filtered fluid flows, and thus decreases the likelihood of contaminating the fluid with impurities in the conduit.
  • Finally, another advantage of the inventive filter cartridge assembly is that each cartridge unit 92, 94, 96 and 98 can be replaced individually without destroying or affecting the other cartridges. Since each cartridge unit may contain one or several different filter media, the service-life time for each cartridge unit may be different. Because each cartridge assembly is constructed of a plurality of self-contained cartridge units, one cartridge may be replaced without destroying the entire assembly. Further, specialized applications may require specialized fluid filter media, and because the cartridge assembly comprises several interchangeable units, any unit selected may be assembled together to form a specialized cartridge assembly.
  • Although FIG. 3A illustrates a fluid return tube in the center of the conduit, one skilled in the art will appreciate the variety of possible configurations. For example, the return tube could be disposed on the inside wall of the cylinder, or alternatively be concurrently formed with the cylinder in an extrusion process. Finally, the return tube cylinder could be an annular space formed by two concentric cylinders, with the inner cylinder filled with the filter media.
  • FIG. 3B illustrates another schematic flow diagram of a cartridge assembly with unidirectional fluid flow through the filter media. In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the fluid is transferred to a serially adjacent cartridge unit by a conduit that is outside the cartridge unit. In this embodiment a cartridge assembly 130 may include two cartridge units 132, 134. Similar to FIG. 3A, an inlet port 136 leads to a plenum 138 and into a fluid filter media 140 through a conical fluid distribution plate 142. The plate 142 separates the media from the plenum 138. At the lower end of cartridge 132, the filter media is separated from a lower plenum 144 by a conical plate 146. The lower end of the cartridge includes a passage 148 to a fluid transfer tube 150 which leads to the serially adjacent cartridge 134 where the fluid passes through another filter media. Another fluid transfer tube 150 leads to either another cartridge unit (not shown) or the purification console (also not shown).
  • This embodiment also provides the advantage of a downward flow for the fluid through the fluid filter media. One advantage of the external product transfer tube may be that the cartridges are easier to manufacture. Additionally, the surface area of the filter media is maximized because the fluid transfer tube 150 does not occupy any of the volume within the cartridge unit. This embodiment is modular in that each filter cartridge unit may be configured in the same manner and easily and conveniently installed within a console. Accordingly, the number of cartridge units may be increased and varied depending on the particular needs of a system. Additionally, since the fluid is transferred outside the cartridge unit, contamination of fluid that has been filtered should not be a problem.
  • However, when the transfer tube is located within the cartridge unit as illustrated in FIG. 3A, the contamination of fluid as it flows through the cartridge assembly must be considered. With reference to FIG. 3A, when the fluid has been purified through a filter media, and is in the upper part of the cartridge unit flowing toward the outlet port, the water that has been run through the cartridge unit is in close proximity to the water entering the cartridge unit, and any cross-contamination renders the filter cartridge less effective. Accordingly, the present invention provides a tight seal between the fluid transfer tube and the upper portion of the cartridge unit. As more particularly described below, the seal may be created by heat welding, adhesives or other suitable connection processes as recognized by those skilled in the art.
  • At the lower end of the cartridge, the qualitative difference in the purity of the fluid in the tube and the fluid that is collected in the plate is not substantial, and thus the elusiveness of the seal is not as critical. However, the tube must fit snugly within the plate so that the filter media does not enter into the plenum. Accordingly, a different seal is provided at the lower end of the cartridge unit. The different seal performs well and enables the cartridge unit to be manufactured easier and quicker with the high performance found in other, more expensive devices.
  • FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C provide various alternative embodiments for sealing the lower end of a fluid transfer tube 184 and the bottom collection plate 170. For reasons which are more fully described below, the seal provided at the bottom plate enables axial movement of the tube with respect to the collection plate. With reference to FIG. 4A, a cartridge unit 160 includes a cylindrical side wall 162 and a bottom 164. The cartridge may be one piece or formed from several different pieces. The bottom of the cartridge unit includes a plenum 166 which is separated from fluid filter media 168 by the annular plate 170.
  • The plate 170 includes a hub 172, a porous portion 174 and an outer ring 176. The outer ring is adapted to snap into the bottom 164 and be retained therein. In another embodiment, the porous portion may snap directly into the bottom 164. The porous portion of the plate may be slitted or perforated. Preferably, the perforation or slits should be sized so that particles which are larger than 300 µm (0.012 inch) will not pass through. The relative advantages of various hole sizes and shapes should be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the fluid filter media. At the inner cylindrical surface of the hub, an annular groove is formed into which an O-ring 182 is placed. The annular chamber and O-ring are sized such that the O-ring creates a seal between the tube 184 and the hub 172 of the plate when the tube is inserted into the hub 172. The tube is able to move axially up and down with respect to the plate and thus, the assembly of the parts is facilitated.
  • FIG. 4B provides an alternate embodiment of the seal between the tube 184 and the plate. Similar to the previously described embodiment, a plate 186 is seated on the wall 164 of the cartridge unit and a porous material separates the fluid filter media 168 and plenum 166. The inner surface of the hub includes a wiper lip 188 which seals the interface between the tube and the plate. The wiper lip is an annular ring of thin, flexible plastic material. The lip may be integrally formed with the plate or, alternatively, the lip may be affixed on the plate prior to assembling the cartridge. The lip provides for a fluid tight seal while allowing relative motion between the plate and the tube.
  • With reference to FIG. 4C, a third alternative for the seal between the plate and the tube is achieved by providing an annular groove 192 in the tube 194 into which an O-ring 196 is disposed. The O-ring is large enough to seal the tube and plate while still allowing relative movement therebetween. Each embodiment that enables relative motion between the tube and plate provides a structure which facilitates the precise and reliable manufacture of the cartridge units and assemblies.
  • In a preferred form, as illustrated in FIG. 5, four cartridges units comprise the cartridge assembly indicated by 200. In this embodiment, top caps 202, 204, 206 and 208 are arranged to form a square modular cartridge assembly which can be easily handled. Inlet 212 and outlet 214 are each provided on the top of the container and face the same direction. FIG. 6 shows a front view of the cartridge assembly. The direction of the inlet and outlet ports provide a suitable interface with a corresponding portion of the purification console (not shown). Annular grooves may be provided on the ports to receive O-rings so that fluid leakage at the interface with the console is minimized. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the top caps 202, 208 are illustrated on the top of the cartridge units 216, 218 respectively.
  • The various connections between the top caps of the cartridge units provide for the serial downward flow. Cap 202 receives the fluid through the male inlet 212. The fluid is purified in the cartridge in the manner described above in connection with FIG. 3A and the top plate is also provided with male outlet 222 (shown in phantom) which is oriented 180° opposite from the inlet. The male outlet couples with a female inlet 224 (shown in phantom) in the serially adjacent end cap 204. Once the fluid has passed through the fluid media it passes through a male outlet port 226 (shown in phantom) into the serially adjacent cartridge by a female inlet 228 (shown in phantom). As illustrated in FIG. 5, the female outlet port 226 is 90 degrees offset from the inlet port of the cap 204.
  • Once the fluid returns to the end cap 206 by the transfer tube (not shown), the fluid exits through male outlet port 232 (shown in phantom) and is received by the female inlet port 234 (shown in phantom) of the cap 208. The ports of cap 206 may be configured identically to the ports of cap 204. Accordingly, all the fluid communication required for the transfer through all the cartridge units occurs in the caps at one end of the unit. Because downward flow is typically preferable, in the embodiment shown, the connections are at the top plates.
  • Preferably, the end caps 202, 204, 206 and 208 are molded and formed from high purity plastic, such as polyropylene. The end caps may include ribs 240 which provide for increased structural rigidity. The ribs may extend radially from the center of the plate and may also include concentric circular ribs.
  • As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the cartridge assembly can be constructed to contain more than four cartridge units. Cartridge end cap 208 is provided with a female inlet and a male outlet that are oriented in a straight line. Any number of cartridge units that have such a configuration may be disposed between end caps 202 and 204, and additionally between end caps 206 and 208. Thus, the cartridge assembly can contain as many different cartridge units as required to effectively purify the fluid.
  • With continued reference to FIG. 5, a plurality of clips 242 and 244 are provided between the end caps to give the cartridge assembly structural integrity so that it may be installed and removed without inconvenience. The end caps 202, 204, 206, 208 each include four clip receiving sockets 246 spaced 90 degrees apart. With continued reference to Figure 5, a plurality of side clips 242 have a generally triangular shape and are disposed between the caps 202, 204; 204, 206; 206, 208 and 208, 202 respectively. The clips 242 each have protrusions 248 which are received in the sockets 246. The clip 244 has 4 lateral sides and is centrally located between the four end caps and engages each one by protrusions 248 that are received by the sockets 246.
  • Each clip is readily removable and may be reattached when necessary. For example, if one filter cartridge were to become spent, the clips could be removed from the end cap and the cartridge unit replaced by an individual fresh unit and then the cartridge assembly may be assembled by reattaching the clips. Accordingly, the life of any cartridge assembly can be extended for a much longer duration than the prior art. In other cartridge assemblies of the prior art, Gaignet for example, once one filter cartridge unit was spent, the whole pack or assembly is discarded. With the present invention, the maximum life of each unit is achieved. Thus, the present invention provides a cartridge pack assembly which has a significant advantage over the prior art. The connection between cartridge units is more specifically described in co-pending application No.08/599,259, entitled "Modular Filtering System and Method of Assembly", filed concurrently with this application on February 9, 1996, and such disclosure is incorporated by reference herein.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one preferred embodiment of the cartridge 218 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The top cap 208 includes the female inlet port 232 which leads into a generally cylindrical plenum 262. The end plate includes a hub 264 onto which a flow distributor 266 is placed. The flow distributor also has a hub 268 which is centrally located on the flow distributor. Preferably, the flow distributor, also shown in FIG. 8A, includes a plurality of radially extending slots 270 which extend from the hub. Each flow distributor includes an outer rim which retains the flow distributor in the end cap. The radial slots 270 extend to an annular rim 271 that secure the flow distributor to the end cap. A flow transfer tube 272 is securely attached to the flow distributor and the end cap.
  • The cartridge is filled with fluid filter media 274 which may include several layers. The flow transfer tube 272 is secured against radial movement by center support rings 276. At the lower end of the filter cartridge, a bottom flat distributor (configured identically to the top flow distributor) secures the flow transfer tube 272 against radial motion at its end. The bottom flow distributor also separates the fluid filter media from a bottom plenum 278. The flow distributor is mounted on a bottom end cap 275. The fluid transfer tube is sealed with respect to the flow distributor by an O-ring 280 which is secured in place by a retainer ring 282.
  • Thus, the fluid enters the cartridge unit by an inlet port and enters into a plenum in the upper plate which is separated from the fluid filter media by a flow distributor. The flow distributor also provides for an even distribution of fluid along the circular cross-section of the filter material. As the fluid travels downward, the various contaminants are removed from the fluid. When the fluid reaches the bottom cap, a flow distributor again separates the purification media from the plenum and the fluid flows up through the fluid transfer tube to the upper cap and out of the cartridge unit via the outlet port. Several cartridge units may be placed together to form a cartridge assembly.
  • The method of construction for a representative cartridge unit is described below in connection with FIGS. 8A through FIG. 19. The flow distributor 266 is illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B. The hub 268 and the rim 271 are configured to increase the versatility of the flow distributor 266, and the same flow distributor is used for the top and bottom cap. One specific versatile aspect of the design configuration is that the inner facing surface of the hub is configured to be able to accommodate two different sealing modes. On the upper cap, as described more particularly below, the fluid transfer tube is rigidly sealed to the internal surface of the hub and upper cap so that a tight seal is created. At the lower cap the flow distributor is adapted to receive an O-ring that provides a seal between the flow distributor and the fluid transfer tube. As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8B, the cap 208 includes a plenum 262 which is sized to receive the flow distributor. More particularly, the flow distributor hub includes an axial inner space which is sized to pass over an annular protrusion 310 of the cap 208. Additionally, the ring of the flow distributor is snapped into secure engagement with a recess and rigid lip 312 as illustrated in FIG. 8C. Preferably, the flow distributor is pre-molded and is inserted into the cap immediately after the cap is molded and still warm. Thus, the annular groove and lip 312 is disposed to securely receive the ring of the flow distributor. Once the flow distributor is in place on the cap, the upper cap assembly is prepared for final assembly.
  • FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a representative method of assembly for the lower cap of a cartridge unit. While it should be recognized that the configuration of the upper cap may vary as discussed in connection with FIG. 5, the lower cap is essentially the same for each of the cartridge units. As illustrated in FIG. 9A, the inner surface of the hub on the fluid distributor has a stepped annular surface with two steps 316 and 320. The O-ring 280 is inserted into the stepped surface 316. The retaining ring 282 is press fit into the defined annular space stepped surface 320 to secure the O-ring into the flow distributor. Once the flow distributor assembly indicated generally by 326 is prepared, it is snapped into the bottom cap in a manner similar to the top cap as shown in FIG. 9B. Particularly, there is an annular groove 328 which receives the outer ring of the flow distributor. An annular lip 332 secures the flow distributor from movement on the cap. Once the bottom cap assembly is prepared, the cartridge unit is ready for final assembly.
  • FIGS. 10-19 illustrate the various steps of final assembly of a representative cartridge unit. With reference to FIG. 10, a cylindrical outer tube 340 is provided and secured on a jig (not shown). A fluid transfer tube 350 is provided at a length which is slightly longer than the tube 340. It too is secured on the jig (not shown). A cylindrical heating element 342 shown in cross-section, is configured to join the upper cap to each of the cylinder and the tube. The heating element partially melts the annular surface of the edge of the tube 344 and an annular surface 346 of the end cap. Additionally, a protrusion 348 is configured to heat and partially melt the annular surface 352 of the passage leading to the outlet 154. Finally, the heating element is configured to heat and partially melt the upper annular surface of the fluid transfer tube at 354. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the end cap and the tubes are placed in contact with the hot plate to partially melt the contact surfaces. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the various parts, once heated, are separated from the heating plate 342, and the heating plate is removed as illustrated in FIG. 12. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the end cap is placed in contact with the tube and the fluid transfer tube. The surfaces 352, 354 on the end cap and tube, respectively, and the surfaces 346, 344 on the cylinder and the end cap, respectively, are then compressed and held together while cooling. Thus, the fluid transfer tube is heat sealed to the end cap and a secure connection is provided. This prevents cross-contamination of the fluid as it enters and leaves the fluid container. Of course, other joining methods could be used.
  • FIG. 14 illustrates the filling step of the cartridge. The cartridge is inverted and filter media is placed in the cartridge to approxiatmely 50% of working capacity. The center tube support ring 276 is then slidably inserted on the tube. The ring is able to ride along the inner surface of the tube and the outer surface of the fluid transfer tube. It is desired that the support ring be able to "ride" within the tube so that expansion and contraction of the fluid purification media will not cause the support ring to break and so that the filter media is maintained in an unmixed state (if desired). Once the center tube support ring 276 is in place, more media is placed in the tube as illustrated in FIG. 15. Once 90% of the tube is filled with media, a second center tube support ring 276 is placed in the cartridge.
  • Finally, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the remaining working volume of the cartridge is filled and the bottom cap is prepared to be bonded to the tube. As illustrated in FIG. 16, a hot plate 360 has an annular surface 362 adapted to contact the annular surface of the tube 364. Additionally, the hot plate 360 has an annular surface 366 adapted to contact the annular rim 368 of the top cap. Once the various parts are aligned in a jig (not shown), the hot plate bonding of the bottom cap assembly occurs by contacting the respective areas with the hot plate as illustrated in FIG. 17. Thus, the plastic is melted a sufficient amount.
  • Once a sufficient amount of plastic has melted, the various parts are separated and the heater is moved out of the way and, as illustrated in FIG. 19, the cap is slid onto the outer tubing. The cap and the outer tubing are compressed and held together while cooling. When the cap is being placed on the outer tube, the inner tube is aligned with the inner surface of the hub and the O-ring mounted in the fluid distributor contacts the tube to provide the seal. Once the cartridge unit is constructed, it is inverted and ready for either final manufacturing into a cartridge assembly or as a replacement unit.
  • It should be understood that the foregoing description of the invention is intended merely to be illustrative thereof and that other equivalents, embodiments and modifications of the invention may be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the various inlets and outlets for the containers may be located on an axially central portion of a filter cartridge. Alternatively, the end caps could be provided with a different configuration.

Claims (8)

  1. An apparatus for purifying a fluid comprising:
    a cylindrical element (216, 218), having two ends, the cylindrical element containing a filter media (274),
    a first end cap (208) disposed on one end of the cylindrical element (216, 218), the first end cap (208) including a fluid inlet port(232), a fluid outlet port (214), and a first fluid distributor (266),
    a second end cap (275) disposed on a second end of the cylindrical element (216, 218), the second end cap (275) including a product collection plenum (278), and a second fluid distributor that separates the filter media (274) from the product collection plenum (278), and
    a liquid transfer tube (272) disposed within the cylindrical element (216, 218) and
    extending from the product collection plenum (278) to the fluid outlet port (214).
  2. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the first fluid distributor (266) includes passages (270) that substantially evenly distribute the fluid into the filter media (274).
  3. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the second fluid distributor includes an annular plate having a hub, a porous portion, and an outer ring.
  4. The apparatus of any preceding Claim wherein the liquid transfer tube (272) is slidably mounted in the hub (172) of the annular plate (170) and extends into the product collection plenum (278).
  5. The apparatus of any preceding Claim, wherein the porous portion (174) of the annular plate (170) includes passages that allow fluid and prevent filter media (274) to enter the product collection plenum (278).
  6. The apparatus of Claim 5, wherein the passages of the porous portion (174) of the annular plate (170) are sized to prevent filter media larger than 300 µm from entering the plenum (278).
  7. A modular cartridge assembly for purifying a fluid, comprising:
    a plurality of filter cartridge units, each unit comprising:
    a cylindrical element having two ends, the cylindrical element containing a filter media,
    a first end cap disposed on one end of the cylindrical element, the first end cap including a fluid inlet port, a fluid outlet port, and a first fluid distributor,
    a second cap disposed on a second end of the cylindrical element, the second end cap including a product collection plenum, and a second fluid distributor that separates the filter media from the product collection plenum, and
    a liquid transfer tube disposed within the cylinder and extending from the product collection plenum to the fluid outlet port, wherein the filter cartridge units are connected in series.
  8. An apparatus for purifying fluid comprising:
    a cylindrical element having two ends, the cylindrical element containing a filter media, a first end cap disposed on one end of the cylindrical element, the first end cap including a fluid inlet port, a fluid outlet port, and a first fluid distributor,
    a second cap disposed on a second end of the cylindrical element, the second end cap including a product collection plenum, and
    a liquid transfer tube having a first and second end disposed within the cylinder and extending from the second end cap plenum to the fluid outlet, the liquid transfer tube being mounted at the first end to the first end cap and slidably mounted at the second end to the second end cap, whereby fluid at the inlet port is prevented from mixing with fluid at the outlet port.
EP02025770A 1996-02-09 1997-01-23 Water purification cartridge assembly with unidirectional flow through filter media Expired - Lifetime EP1287870B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/598,818 US5798040A (en) 1996-02-09 1996-02-09 Water purification cartridge assembly with unidirectional flow through filter media
US598818 1996-02-09
EP97904781A EP0956129B1 (en) 1996-02-09 1997-01-23 Water purification cartridge assembly with unidirectional flow through filter media

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP97904781A Division EP0956129B1 (en) 1996-02-09 1997-01-23 Water purification cartridge assembly with unidirectional flow through filter media

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1287870A1 true EP1287870A1 (en) 2003-03-05
EP1287870B1 EP1287870B1 (en) 2006-04-19

Family

ID=24397038

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP02025770A Expired - Lifetime EP1287870B1 (en) 1996-02-09 1997-01-23 Water purification cartridge assembly with unidirectional flow through filter media
EP97904781A Expired - Lifetime EP0956129B1 (en) 1996-02-09 1997-01-23 Water purification cartridge assembly with unidirectional flow through filter media

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP97904781A Expired - Lifetime EP0956129B1 (en) 1996-02-09 1997-01-23 Water purification cartridge assembly with unidirectional flow through filter media

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US5798040A (en)
EP (2) EP1287870B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2001500050A (en)
DE (2) DE69720528T2 (en)
ES (2) ES2196304T3 (en)
WO (1) WO1997028877A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (21)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6730226B2 (en) * 1986-01-07 2004-05-04 Shunsuke Takada Water purifying method and apparatus
US5919357A (en) * 1997-05-20 1999-07-06 United States Filter Corporation Filter cartridge assembly
US5925240A (en) * 1997-05-20 1999-07-20 United States Filter Corporation Water treatment system having dosing control
USRE40310E1 (en) 2000-03-08 2008-05-13 Barnstead Thermolyne Corporation Water purification system and method including dispensed volume sensing and control
US6328881B1 (en) 2000-03-08 2001-12-11 Barnstead Thermolyne Corporation Water purification system and method including dispensed volume sensing and control
US6379560B1 (en) 2000-03-08 2002-04-30 Barnstead/Thermodyne Corporation Water purifying apparatus and method for purifying water
US6579445B2 (en) 2001-06-01 2003-06-17 Sartorius Ag System for the production of laboratory grade ultrapure water
US9908788B1 (en) 2001-09-26 2018-03-06 Wrt International Llc Radium removal from aqueous media using zeolite materials
US7604738B2 (en) * 2002-02-08 2009-10-20 Schroeder Industries Llc Connecting end cap for a filter
US6805729B2 (en) * 2002-10-29 2004-10-19 H2Gen Innovations, Inc. System and method for handling fluid using a manifold
DE502004002353D1 (en) 2003-07-17 2007-02-01 Saeco Ipr Ltd Filter cartridge for water tanks of coffee machines
US7959780B2 (en) 2004-07-26 2011-06-14 Emporia Capital Funding Llc Textured ion exchange membranes
US7780833B2 (en) 2005-07-26 2010-08-24 John Hawkins Electrochemical ion exchange with textured membranes and cartridge
CN101316794B (en) 2005-10-06 2016-01-06 派克逖克斯公司 The electrochemical ion of fluid exchanges process
US9157677B2 (en) * 2010-08-17 2015-10-13 General Electric Company Refrigerator water filter assembly
US9682335B2 (en) 2011-02-24 2017-06-20 Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corporation Modular filter capsule apparatus
US9409108B2 (en) 2012-04-06 2016-08-09 Saint-Gobain Performance Pastics Corporation Modular filter capsule apparatus
US20140061111A1 (en) * 2012-09-05 2014-03-06 Augustin Pavel Encapsulated water filter media assembly
CA2942483A1 (en) 2013-03-15 2014-09-25 Zero Technologies, Llc Systems and methods of eliminating filter air locks
US9757695B2 (en) 2015-01-03 2017-09-12 Pionetics Corporation Anti-scale electrochemical apparatus with water-splitting ion exchange membrane
EP3711641A1 (en) * 2019-03-21 2020-09-23 Riprup Company S.A. Method of preparing water for coffee brewing

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1986003687A1 (en) * 1984-12-18 1986-07-03 Leslie Donald Selsdon Filters
US4693823A (en) * 1986-06-26 1987-09-15 Fibredyne, Inc. Liquid filter
US4944875A (en) * 1987-06-18 1990-07-31 Millipore, S.A. Plural filter tube sequential distribution apparatus
EP0533381A2 (en) * 1991-09-14 1993-03-24 Lucas Industries Public Limited Company Filter units

Family Cites Families (78)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US526695A (en) * 1894-10-02 emery
US844438A (en) * 1906-07-28 1907-02-19 Cummings Filter Co Filtering apparatus.
US1942584A (en) * 1932-06-22 1934-01-09 Weinstein Joseph Filter
US2278488A (en) * 1937-07-29 1942-04-07 Servisoft Inc Water treating apparatus
US2391716A (en) * 1943-05-07 1945-12-25 Infilco Inc Filter
GB598956A (en) * 1946-07-12 1948-03-02 American Cyanamid Co Improvements in containers
US2752309A (en) * 1952-04-30 1956-06-26 Ardath H Emmons Process for water decontamination
US2918764A (en) * 1954-12-27 1959-12-29 Indiana Commerical Filters Cor Method of making a filter cartridge
US2809753A (en) * 1955-06-07 1957-10-15 Herbert J Atkinson Continuous filtering apparatus for flowing liquids
US3155612A (en) * 1962-05-02 1964-11-03 Union Tank Car Co Fluid distributor for tanks
US3171801A (en) * 1962-10-29 1965-03-02 Gen Services Company Process for clarifying water
US3289847A (en) * 1963-03-26 1966-12-06 Paul W Rothemund Fluid filtering and treating apparatus
US3266628A (en) * 1964-02-21 1966-08-16 Reid Mfg Inc Flexible impervious cartridge filter
US3252899A (en) * 1964-04-01 1966-05-24 Gen Services Company Treatment of water utilizing activated carbon
US3382169A (en) * 1966-04-04 1968-05-07 Illinois Water Treat Co Process for deionizing aqueous solutions
US3396847A (en) * 1967-01-13 1968-08-13 Julius L. Englesberg Filtering apparatus adjustable for series or parallel filtration
US3554377A (en) * 1968-09-18 1971-01-12 Omer E Miller Liquid treating apparatus
US3497069A (en) * 1968-11-01 1970-02-24 Corning Glass Works Apparatus for water purification by ion exchange
DE1933745A1 (en) * 1969-07-03 1971-01-14 Steinmueller Gmbh L & C Moving-membrane laminar-bed contra-flow - filter
US3716143A (en) * 1970-03-30 1973-02-13 Aqua Chem Inc Reverse osmosis separation apparatus
US4088563A (en) * 1970-06-16 1978-05-09 Hager & Elsaesser Process for the treatment of water solution by ion exchange
DE2065830A1 (en) * 1970-10-31 1976-06-16 Solvay Werke Gmbh Treatment of ion exchange medium - with application of particulate buffer layer for particle retention
US3753495A (en) * 1971-06-01 1973-08-21 Flickertail Ind Inc Water conditioning unit
DE2165073A1 (en) * 1971-12-28 1973-07-12 Sartorius Membranfilter Gmbh MULTI-LAYER FILTER MEMBRANES, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING AND USING THEREOF
US3756413A (en) * 1972-04-13 1973-09-04 Gartner Research & Dev Co Method and apparatus for making potable water
US3909402A (en) * 1972-04-13 1975-09-30 Gartner Research & Dev Co Water purification device
US4033874A (en) * 1972-05-26 1977-07-05 Hager & Elsaesser Apparatus for the treatment of liquids
SE367928B (en) * 1972-11-06 1974-06-17 Fractionator Ab
US3950253A (en) * 1972-11-20 1976-04-13 Dynek Corporation Domestic water filtration apparatus
CA982779A (en) * 1973-02-07 1976-02-03 John A. Van Gulick Water purifier
US3977967A (en) * 1973-05-10 1976-08-31 Union Carbide Corporation Ultrafiltration apparatus and process for the treatment of liquids
US3914176A (en) * 1974-05-06 1975-10-21 Clark Equipment Co Dual filter assembly
US3985648A (en) * 1974-06-27 1976-10-12 Almag Pollution Control Corporation Method and system for purifying liquid
US4182676A (en) * 1974-06-27 1980-01-08 Almag Chemical Corp. Method and system for purifying liquid
DE2555178A1 (en) * 1975-12-08 1977-06-16 Viktor Dulger Domestic drinking water treatment - in tubular containers of various sizes in series for physical and chemical processing
DE2607292C2 (en) * 1976-02-23 1985-08-29 Kraftwerk Union AG, 4330 Mülheim Process for the removal of radioactive corrosion products from ion exchange resins used in nuclear reactor operation
DE2638142A1 (en) * 1976-05-06 1977-11-17 Textron Inc FILTER
US4184893A (en) * 1976-07-13 1980-01-22 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Pulsed rinse of particulate beds
US4192750A (en) * 1976-08-09 1980-03-11 Massey-Ferguson Inc. Stackable filter head unit
US4039444A (en) * 1976-09-30 1977-08-02 Lever Brothers Company Water purification device
US4160738A (en) * 1977-05-16 1979-07-10 Guter Gerald A Water purification device and system
US4161445A (en) * 1977-11-23 1979-07-17 Coillet Dudley W Process for the desalination of salt containing water
US4154704A (en) * 1978-01-23 1979-05-15 Chemotronics International, Inc. Activated reticulated or unreticulated carbon structures
US4191648A (en) * 1978-02-06 1980-03-04 Kaplan Stephen J Filtration device for filtering temperature controlled fluids
US4681677A (en) * 1978-02-17 1987-07-21 Olin Corporation Water processor having automatic shutoff and bypass means
AT352757B (en) * 1978-02-24 1979-10-10 Edwin Hiesinger FILTRATION DEVICE
US4196081A (en) * 1978-04-13 1980-04-01 Pavia Edgar H Apparatus for emergency water purification
US4280912A (en) * 1978-05-22 1981-07-28 Darco Water Systems, Inc. Water purification unit and method
US4233158A (en) * 1978-11-01 1980-11-11 Wachsmuth William A Liquid treatment tank having a volume compensating structure for use with volume variable liquid treatment material
US4343707A (en) * 1980-03-10 1982-08-10 Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. Method and apparatus for separating out solids suspended in flowing, pure water systems
JPS57102202A (en) * 1980-12-18 1982-06-25 Toyobo Co Ltd Fluid separator
US4347136A (en) * 1981-02-18 1982-08-31 Neil Friesen Bacteria static filter assembly
US4430226A (en) * 1981-03-09 1984-02-07 Millipore Corporation Method and apparatus for producing ultrapure water
US4659460A (en) * 1981-05-29 1987-04-21 Ecolochem, Inc. Mobile fluid purification unit
US4368123A (en) * 1981-08-31 1983-01-11 Stanley Bedford F Regenerative counter top water conditioner
HU184550B (en) * 1982-06-11 1984-09-28 Dunai Vasmu Universal water treating apparatus of continuous regeneration
US4411785A (en) * 1982-09-29 1983-10-25 Ecodyne Corporation Reverse osmosis hollow fiber filter element
US4414113A (en) * 1982-09-29 1983-11-08 Ecodyne Corporation Liquid purification using reverse osmosis hollow fibers
US4522717A (en) * 1983-06-24 1985-06-11 Brust John E Filter apparatus
DE3481484D1 (en) * 1983-09-16 1990-04-12 Mitsubishi Rayon Co HOLLOW FIBER FILTER MODULE AND ITS USE IN A WATER PURIFICATION DEVICE.
US4645605A (en) * 1984-07-13 1987-02-24 Agritec, Inc. Filtration with biogenetic silica
US4541926A (en) * 1984-07-20 1985-09-17 Stanley Bedford F Portable water conditioner having separate containers for different conditioning materials
US4609466A (en) * 1984-10-23 1986-09-02 Natures Sunshine Products Portable water purification system
US4615800A (en) * 1985-01-14 1986-10-07 Donaldson Company, Inc. Duplex filter apparatus
US4693820A (en) * 1985-07-01 1987-09-15 Baxter Raymond D Modular water conditioning apparatus
US4698164A (en) * 1985-07-29 1987-10-06 Kinetico, Inc. Filter apparatus
US4948505A (en) * 1986-01-27 1990-08-14 Cuno, Inc. Quick-change filter cartridge and head therefor
FR2616773B1 (en) * 1987-06-19 1991-07-05 Srti Soc Rech Tech Ind PORTABLE INDIVIDUAL WATER TREATMENT DEVICE
US4786420A (en) * 1987-09-11 1988-11-22 Dalessandro Lawrence C Self-cleaning water filter system
US4818398A (en) * 1987-12-21 1989-04-04 Lott W Gerald Filter system with readily replaceable filter element
US4826594A (en) * 1988-01-28 1989-05-02 United Environmental Technologies Portable water conditioning apparatus
US4851122A (en) * 1988-04-04 1989-07-25 Stanley Bedford F Water treatment media for conditioning apparatus
US5128035A (en) * 1990-03-15 1992-07-07 Clack Corporation Fluid flow control device for water treatment systems
US5215657A (en) * 1991-07-03 1993-06-01 Goldfield H P Water treatment system
US5277807A (en) * 1992-04-21 1994-01-11 Millipore Corporation Seal for separation device
US5399263A (en) * 1992-09-24 1995-03-21 Barnstead Thermolyne Water purifier
DE4238532A1 (en) * 1992-11-14 1994-05-19 Kunz Gerhard K Method and device for desalting aqueous solutions using ion exchange materials
US5401399A (en) * 1993-08-27 1995-03-28 Magnusson; Jan H. Water purification system

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1986003687A1 (en) * 1984-12-18 1986-07-03 Leslie Donald Selsdon Filters
US4693823A (en) * 1986-06-26 1987-09-15 Fibredyne, Inc. Liquid filter
US4944875A (en) * 1987-06-18 1990-07-31 Millipore, S.A. Plural filter tube sequential distribution apparatus
EP0533381A2 (en) * 1991-09-14 1993-03-24 Lucas Industries Public Limited Company Filter units

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2196304T3 (en) 2003-12-16
DE69735730T2 (en) 2007-01-25
DE69735730D1 (en) 2006-05-24
DE69720528T2 (en) 2004-01-29
EP0956129A1 (en) 1999-11-17
EP0956129B1 (en) 2003-04-02
WO1997028877A1 (en) 1997-08-14
JP2001500050A (en) 2001-01-09
ES2261582T3 (en) 2006-11-16
EP1287870B1 (en) 2006-04-19
US5798040A (en) 1998-08-25
DE69720528D1 (en) 2003-05-08

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1287870B1 (en) Water purification cartridge assembly with unidirectional flow through filter media
EP0885042B1 (en) Modular filtering system and method of assembly
US6294090B1 (en) Adsorptive substance separation device
EP0810024B1 (en) Membrane module assembly
US5290445A (en) Filtering apparatus
CA2883488C (en) Filter assemblies, filter elements, and methods for filtering liquids
CN100435912C (en) Disposable membrane module with low-dead volume
CN102228754B (en) Filtration module
US4944875A (en) Plural filter tube sequential distribution apparatus
US5407571A (en) Filter unit and modular filter assembly
JPH05508801A (en) Modular microporous filter assembly
US20030052429A1 (en) Process for making a fluid processing module
US7641804B2 (en) Filter unit, filter device and filtration process for fluids
US5545320A (en) Device for filtering and separating flow media with filter elements that are in the form of membrane cushions
US20060213827A1 (en) Filter device including pleated filter incorporated in a housing
EP1355730B1 (en) Fluid path control element for fluid processing module
US20040112818A1 (en) Method of assembling a filter plate
JP3881548B2 (en) Sealing device for filtration equipment
US20040149647A1 (en) Filter element flow diverter barrier and method
CA2241297C (en) Apparatus for the filtering and separation of flow media with at least one permeate outlet
GB2130111A (en) Filtration apparatus
EP0196392A2 (en) Plural layer separator screen tangential flow filter device
US8307990B2 (en) Filter module designed to limit zones of stagnation for a liquid
JP3499340B2 (en) Membrane element and fluid separation device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20021116

AC Divisional application: reference to earlier application

Ref document number: 0956129

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: P

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): DE ES FR GB

AKX Designation fees paid

Designated state(s): DE ES FR GB

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20040804

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: USFILTER CORPORATION

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AC Divisional application: reference to earlier application

Ref document number: 0956129

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: P

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE ES FR GB

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69735730

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20060524

Kind code of ref document: P

ET Fr: translation filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2261582

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20070122

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: PC2A

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: CD

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: 732E

Free format text: REGISTERED BETWEEN 20110908 AND 20110914

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20120319

Year of fee payment: 16

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: PC2A

Owner name: SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.

Effective date: 20120612

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: TP

Owner name: SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC., US

Effective date: 20120613

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R081

Ref document number: 69735730

Country of ref document: DE

Owner name: SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC. (N.D.GES.D. STAATES DEL, US

Free format text: FORMER OWNER: SIEMENS WATER TECHNOLOGIES HOLDING CORP. (N.D.GES.D. STAATES DELAWARE), WARRENDALE, US

Effective date: 20120727

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20130109

Year of fee payment: 17

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20130129

Year of fee payment: 17

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20120224

Year of fee payment: 16

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130801

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 69735730

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20130801

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20140321

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130124

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20140123

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20140930

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20140131

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20140123